DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Nine workers at the Volusia County Health Department's Environmental Health Lab were hospitalized when one of them developed respiratory problems after noticing a chemical spill of the toxic disinfectant phenol, officials said.

The other eight workers were transported as a precaution.

According to health department officials, an employee who cleaned up the spill started having trouble breathing and was transported to to Halifax Medical Center after 10 a.m.

Her condition is not known.

The county hazmat team decontaminated the workers and the lab, which will be closed until further notice, health officials said.

Phenol is both a manufactured chemical and a natural substance. It is a colorless-to-white solid when pure. The commercial product is a liquid. Phenol has a distinct odor that is sickeningly sweet and tarry.

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